Although it remains my duty to report this matter to you (since the circumstances of concern continue to exist), I note the steps that Durham County Council has taken, and proposes to take, to address these concerns (see below and in your attached letter dated 30th November 2022).

All concerns relate to the bridge , which carries a road and two footpaths up to around 30m (100ft) above the reiver Weir

(1) the bridge’s parapet and railing is accessible to pedestrians on the bridge;

(3) there is absence of monitored CCTV and lighting or other means of detecting those at immediate risk; and (4) there is a risk of death to persons falling AND to those near the foot of the bridge at any time when persons fall.

The body of a further person was found at the foot of the bridge on 3rd December 2022 in circumstances which may be consistent with his having fallen from the top of the bridge.

Thank you for your letter dated 30th November 2022 (a copy of which is attached hereto and part of the contents of which were read at inquest); in it you have informed me about various measures which have been implemented and more which are due to be implemented to address these matters and to reduce the risk of future deaths.